If you want an iPad that’s more powerful than the entry-level model but less expensive than the iPad Pro, the latest iPad Air is the one to buy, and it’s down to one its best prices to date. The 11-inch Air with 128GB of storage and Wi-Fi connectivity is available at Amazon starting at $519.99 ($79 off). If you want a larger screen, the base 13-inch Air has dropped to a new low price of $699 ($100 off), also at Amazon.
No matter which size you choose, the new iPad Air is noticeably faster than the base iPad thanks to its M4 processor and a bump up to 12GB of RAM. While it falls short of the M5-powered iPad Pros in terms of raw performance and its super-thin design, the Air is sufficient for lighter creative work and some gaming. This model also boasts Apple Intelligence and support for the latest Apple Pencil Pro.
Apple also made a handful of smaller upgrades in the now-discounted iPad Air, like the N1 wireless networking chip that supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. It’s also compatible with Thread, making it easier to control smart lights, locks, and other compatible smart home devices directly from your tablet. It was already a good value, and now it’s a better one at this price if you’re shopping for a new iPad.